Approaches to Literature

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Foucault, cont.:

Literary Theory and Schools of Criticism: Purdue OWL

Gender and Young Adult Literature I: Judy Blume's Forever

1970's Context for Forever

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Historical, Political, and Cultural Context for Forever

I. The Year 1975

A. 1975 Political and Social Environment:

1. Gerald Ford-President
2. Life expectancy: 72.6 yrs
3. Fed Debt: $541.9 billion
4. Cost of new home: $42, 600
5. Median household income: 11,800
6. Gas: $.57
7. Gallon Milk: $1.57

B. News Headlines of 1975:

1. Pres. Ford announces recession policy
2. US plane carrying vietnamese orphans crashes –200 killed
3. Jummy Hoffa disappears-Foul Play suspected
4. OPEC Oil prices increase 10%
5. Unemployment rate 8.9%, highest since 1941
6. Disposable razor introduced

II. Social Issues of the 1970s in Forever

A. Plannned Parenthood

1. 1972-Mass. Bans birth control to unmarried couples
2. 1975-natl study 43.1% using sterilization as birth control
3. 1978-Congress passes Hyde Ammendment & anit-abortion restrictions to a number of federally funded programs
4. 1979-family planning clinics increase

B. NOW (the National Org for Women) founded 1966

1. Largest organization for feminist activists in US
2. Goal= “to take action” bring about equality for women
3. Strongest Concerns:a. -Gaining recognition of value of women’s work both in home and paid labor market

b. -“Every mother is a working mother”

C. Abortion:

1. In 1967 NOW became first national organization to call for legalization of abortion and repeal of all anti abortion laws.
2. NOW won Supreme Court victory in 1994 case (NOW vs. Scheidler)
3. Ruling affirmed NOW’s right to use federal racketeering laws against anti-abortion extremists who organize campaigns of fear, force, and violence to deny women their right to abortion. (Women’s Right to Choose)
4. Grandmother (unusual) advocate for NOW, sent Kat pamphlets…
5. Parents taking advisory role (different from 17th Summer)
6. Change in parental roles

Judy Blume Website:Judy Blume Website

Meet the Author: Judy Blume on Youtube